Want creamy soups? These vegan thickeners help
What's the story
African cuisine is a flavorful universe of its own, with soups being a cornerstone in cultures across the continent. Many of these soups rely on thickeners to achieve their signature textures. However, for vegans or those venturing into plant-based diets, navigating the world of thickeners can be tricky. This article explores the vegan thickeners you need to know for African soups, providing a deeper understanding of their use and benefits.
Okra
Okra: Nature's gooey thickener
Okra is a beloved vegetable in Africa, renowned for its natural thickening abilities. When sliced and heated, okra exudes a sticky substance known as mucilage, which imparts a velvety thickness to soups and stews. It doesn't just thicken; it also enriches dishes with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. This slimy superstar is a staple in West African cuisines, shining in dishes like Gumbo.
Melon seeds
Ground melon seeds: A nutty solution
Ground melon seeds, especially those from the egusi melon, serve as popular thickeners in African soups. These seeds are ground into a powder and incorporated into soups, lending a rich, creamy consistency. In addition to thickening, they provide a distinct nutty flavor, contributing to the dish's overall depth of taste. Egusi soup, a well-known West African delicacy, exemplifies the use of this special ingredient.
Cassava flour
Cassava flour: The starchy staple
Cassava flour, produced from dried and ground cassava root, is a fantastic thickener for vegan soups. It's gluten-free and imparts a silky texture to dishes without significantly changing their flavor. Since it's more concentrated, you can use less of it to achieve the desired thickness, preventing the soup from becoming too heavy or starchy.
Plantain flour
Plantain flour: The sweet thickener
Plantain flour is a gluten-free alternative made from dried and ground plantains. It provides a mild sweetness in addition to its thickening properties, which can be ideal for specific soups where a touch of sweetness enhances the overall taste. The subtle flavor of plantain flour makes it versatile for both savory and sweet applications.
Peanut butter
Peanut butter: Creamy and flavorful
Peanut butter isn't just for sandwiches; it's a secret weapon for thickening African soups, adding creaminess and a unique nutty flavor. This complements other ingredients often used in these dishes, like tomatoes, leafy greens, and spices. A little goes a long way, so while it enhances consistency, it doesn't dominate the other flavors in the soup.